Two guns with extended magazines seized in Hamilton Mountain home

A raid at a Hamilton Mountain home has resulted in the seizure of two weapons and a variety of illicit accessories amid a rash of gun violence in the city.

Hamilton Police received a report about illegally owned guns in a home on East 24th Street. They raided this address, which they did not specify, on July 23.

Inside they claim to have found a loaded Colt 1911 handgun with an extended magazine, a “Just Right” brand carbine rifle, two more extended magazines and a variety of ammunition.

Johnathan Campbell, 38 of Hamilton faces seven charges including;

• Possession of a prohibited weapon
• Possession contrary to a court order
• Knowingly of  possessing a firearm without authorization
• Careless use, carry, transport, and storage of firearm
• Uttering a threat to cause death or bodily harm
• Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
• Trafficking in firearms, weapons, devices, or ammunition

Police wrote they “are committed to addressing gun violence and ensuring that our city remains a safe place for all residents.”

“The success of this investigation underscores the importance of community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities and providing crucial information. We thank the community members whose support played a key role in this case,” they concluded.

The raid come amid a steep rise in gun violence in Hamilton this year. As of last week there have been 34 shootings in the city so far this year, a 162 per cent jump over this time last year.

In addition to the steep rise in shootings, this is also part of a trend of increased youth crime in the city, police report. They found a 12.7 per cent increase in youth involved in violent crimes compared to the five-year average, mostly assault, threats and assault with a weapon.